Race Previews
2025 Buzz Ryan Preview...
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Friday, 18 July 2025 00:10
2025 BUZZ RYAN PREVIEW - The twelfth edition of this terrific sprint event is happening next Sunday and the registration list we saw told us that, weather permitting, fast times can be expected. Here's are some of the athletes who will be competing for the top spots, in alfa other, starting with the men....
JOSH BLANKENHEIM - Josh was not on the list we saw BUT we'd be surprised if didn't race next weekend. Why? He's the defending champion and Masters Record holder. If he were to match his winning 48:44 in 2024, would that be enough to win again? We don't think so, but his Master of the Year performances, especially at Brewhouse, of a year ago suggest that he can go much faster than 48.
TIM BONTRAGER - Tim's winning time here in 2021 (46:12) is the second fastest ever on this route. His times over the last two seasons suggest that it will be almost impossible to keep him off the podium, perhaps even the Top Step.
CORBIN DEICHMAN- The 2024 Junior of the Year should finish no lower than 4th, which would match his 2024 placement. More important than winning or landing on the podium, we suspect, is his breaking his brother's (Carson) junior course record 48:05. Not an easy task, but Corbin's improved cycling, in concert with his elite swim and run skills, could do the trick.
SPENCER SYVERSTON - Spencer was nominated for three MMHs last season, including Triathlete of the Year, making him the favorite on Sunday, especially in light of his POY course record effort at Brewhouse '24, which was contested on an extended version of the Buzz course.
Women:
TIFFANY KARI - Buzz's defending champ was a 2024 Master of the Year nominee. If Shyanne stays home, she's our pick to repeat. Her PR here is stout: 55:51.
BETTINA KEPPERS - Second here in 2024, Bettina's PR here is 55:12. Also a former Minnesota Master of the Year, she'll give Tiff a great race.
CHRISTEL KIPPENHAN - Now 60, we nevertheless see her placing in the women's overall Top 5. A three-time Master of the Year nominee who was nominated for Grand Master of the Year in 2024, Christel is coming off an AG record-setting effort at Timberman Sprint.
JENA OGSTON - A consistent Top five finisher here, we don't see that changing this time around.
SHYANNE MCGREGOR - Like Blankenheim, she was not on the registration list we perused, but this sophomore pro demonstrated her need for speed with a record effort at Timberman Sprint last weekend, and may decide to do it again on Sunday. We remind here that Elaine Nelson's course record is 53:03, set in 2018. Shyanne may decide to take a big bite out of that mark this weekend.
